1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
- Complaints
- 588filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 146,000miles, 83 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe stalls and no-starts traced to fuel delivery, transmission and transfer case problems, and steering and suspension faults that make the vehicle hard to control. Many of the complaints are filed on high-mileage vehicles, so wear and prior repair history play a large part, and several issues appear gradually rather than suddenly.
- Fuel system
Stalling and no-start from fuel delivery
- 47 complaints (8%)
- median 145,000 mi at 15.8 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2019
Complaints describe the engine cutting out at speed, at idle, or when letting off the accelerator, sometimes restarting immediately and sometimes not starting again for hours. In several cases the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel tank was replaced, and in some the problem returned afterward. Some owners also report difficult restarting or flooding-like behavior when the engine is hot. Mostly reported between roughly 100,000 and 175,000 miles, with a few at much lower or higher mileage.
What to check: Ask for fuel pump and fuel filter service records and whether the engine has ever stalled or refused to restart after a hot soak. A long test drive with a stop and restart can bring a hot-restart problem to the surface.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee has fuel line problems that know one can seem to fix. There aren't any leaks, however, it jerks and slips into a neutral state from time to time. First I began to add expensive fuel cleaners (didn't work), then I had it serviced by 3 different mechanics who all performed fuel emission cleaning. Currently, it still slips, then jerks forward with extreme force-one time causing an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047122, filed 2003-11, 119,000 miles“Car will not start. Engine turns over but doesn't start. The autoshop told me that the fuel pump is shot. I went on to some Jeep forums and there was a considerable amount of people that also had the same problem. After contacting the Jeep help line, they basically told me that the car is 10 years old and that I could find anything I wanted on the internet, but for a Jeep 1995 that is 9 years old they did submit a recall for the same problem I am having. He was very rude to me also. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075079, filed 2004-06, 144,260 miles - Steering
Hard steering, wandering, and steering gear or column faults
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe stiff steering, a wheel that keeps spinning with no effect, a steering gear that came loose from the frame, and bolts that sheared. Others report wandering at highway speed and the vehicle jumping sideways over bumps. In some cases the dealer or shop replaced ball joints or the steering gear without resolving the complaint. Spread from about 85,000 to 175,000 miles, with several reports in the 100,000 to 150,000 mile range.
What to check: Have the steering gear mounting bolts and frame area inspected for looseness, cracking, or repair welds, and check the steering column for play before driving.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Backed up, steered hard to right, shifted to forward, steered hard to left. Heard a bang. Steering failed completely. Had to have it towed. This could've been really bad if I had been in traffic! Found a severed bolt about 4 long under the vehicle. Judging by the bolt head markings, I'd guess it were grade 8.2 or greater. ( surise horizon 6 marks... Side marks were +'s. )”
NHTSA complaint #10191871, filed 2007-05, 146,000 miles“1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited 318 c.I. Steering box broke off the frame! My family almost crossed over the center medium of the road! Jeep needs to remedy this!! Asap we have had 3 people on our internet club within the last 3 months have this happen!”
NHTSA complaint #10238953, filed 2008-08, 106,500 miles - Fuel system
Fuel odors and fuel tank concerns
- 71 complaints (12%)
- median 135,000 mi at 19.4 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 18 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2019
Owners report a persistent gasoline smell around and inside the vehicle, and pressure release or fuel spray when the gas cap is opened, which some say is worse in hot weather. Complaints also describe fuel tank noise requiring tank and pump replacement, and fuel tank fires after rear impacts; several owners say the dealer could not complete the rear-structure recall repair because of frame corrosion. Reported from very low mileage up to about 260,000 miles, including several vehicles near or above 150,000 miles.
Recall 13V252000Recall 99V340000
What to check: Ask whether the rear-structure recall work was completed and keep the receipt; inspect the frame rails at the rear for corrosion and check for fuel odor around the tank and filler.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have been having problems with gas fume and pressure build up for a long time. When I open the gas cap, it spews out gas fumes and gas at me. Then it runs badly if at all. I do not like this Jeep. Problem vehicle. High desert temperatures make it worse. I live in the desert.”
NHTSA complaint #10532990, filed 2013-08, 162,000 miles“The contact owns a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal odor of fuel without warning. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 260,758.”
NHTSA complaint #10692535, filed 2015-03, 260,785 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and transfer case failures
- 68 complaints (12%)
- median 142,100 mi at 11.1 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2014
Complaints describe transmissions that stop driving or fail to engage, sometimes replaced and then failing again a year later. Full-time four-wheel-drive models are described as binding and jerking in tight turns at low speed, with the transfer case viscous coupling seizing and the front and rear axles locking together. Reported from about 56,000 miles upward, most commonly in the 110,000 to 160,000 mile range.
What to check: On a full-time four-wheel-drive example, drive slow tight circles on dry pavement and listen for binding or scrubbing; ask about transmission and transfer case service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased this Jeep because I was told it needed a transmission, these are the symptoms, when you first start the truck and you put it in reverse, the engine kills. You start the truck up again and put it in reverse, it vibrates and the engine wants to die but the computer tries to increase the RPM to prevent it from dying, you then have to apply the brakes hard, when you put it in neutral, the rpms are at about 2000 and then they come down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442815, filed 2012-01, 160,400 miles“1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/quadratrac (all wheel drive): viscous coupling in transfer case locks up resulting in poor handling during extended trips. Previous owner reported that they had replaced the vc prior to selling to me (<120,000 mi). I had to replace it again in november 2001 (~130,000 miles). Problem is started to act up again at ~144,000 miles during a long trip (~1000 miles) at highway speeds. This car is very well maintained, and at this point, I'm convinced that there is a design defect with the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000434, filed 2002-12, 144,200 miles - Engine cooling
Exhaust manifold cracks and fumes in the cabin
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe cracked exhaust manifolds producing a loud exhaust note and exhaust fumes entering the passenger compartment, with owners reporting headaches. Shops are described as attributing the cracks to vibration and heat cycling, and some owners say the repair is expensive enough that it was never done. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 190,000 miles, including some vehicles under 120,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for a ticking or roaring exhaust note when cold, and check the manifold area for cracks, soot streaks, and broken studs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Wow, it's very amazing to me that there are so many v6 grand Jeep cherokee's hat have cracked exhaust manifolds. We love our Jeep's, we are the owners of our second one. This is under the Jeep where the exhaust and emissions heats and and cools. The Jeep sounds like a hot, hot rod. (I'm not in that age bracket anymore). This manifold is so common now that your local pep boy's, david early tire etc. (small shops) are stocking them?they use to be a factor order item.”
NHTSA complaint #10063739, filed 2004-03, 190,000 miles“Jeep Grand Cherokee, early years 1992 - 2001 exhaust manifold cracks with regular occurance and allows carbon monoxide into passenger compartment. I own a 1992 and manifold cracked at 55k and 70k (each $1200 to fix), bought a 1994 same vehicle, manifold cracked at 40k miles. Many owners reporting same issue, dealers will replace if pressed but deny problem. I am getting sick (physically) from the vehicle with exhaust coming into cabin. I never know when it will happen. It could cause accident if I passed out.”
NHTSA complaint #10128394, filed 2005-07, 43,000 miles
Buying note. This is a high-mileage vehicle, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on the steering mounts, transfer case behavior in tight turns, fuel system condition, and exhaust manifold is worth the cost. Ask for records of recall work and of transmission, fuel pump, and steering repairs, since the complaints cluster around those areas.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 588 consumer complaints for the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 83 of the complaints include a mileage, and 6% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 146,000 miles. Of all complaints, 116 involved a crash, 33 a fire, 93 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes132 22%
- Transmission and drivetrain118 20%
- Engine cooling75 13%
- Vehicle speed control68 12%
- Fuel system55 9.3%
- Electrical system38 6.5%
- Steering38 6.5%
- Air bags37 6.3%
- Body and structure30 5.1%
- Suspension28 4.8%
Also reported: Equipment (17), Tires (14), Other or unknown (13), Seat belts (11), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (11), Exterior lighting (8), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Seats (4), Wheels (4), Engine (3).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Emergency brake handle release button & spring fell off. Jeep was stationary had a hard time try to release it. They show a recall only for 1995 id# 95v172000. Need to get it fixed. Asap”
NHTSA complaint #10822114, filed 2016-01, 158,990 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “About 5/6 months ago, I noticed that my 1994 Jeep grand cherookee had a very bad herky-jerky movement when you try to make a tight turn (especially a u-turn). Then very audible noises started coming from the front-end undercarriage everytime you back-up,..or hit a pothole,...especially at low speed. The worst part happened when for the first time,..we hit a pothole at about 55/65 MPH,....and the whole front end of the vehicle began to severely vibrate and bounce up and down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10081044, filed 2004-07, 162,729 milesEngine cooling: “Driving 25 MPH and turned knob to put on heat and thick, brown smoke coming out of vents immediately filled car. I stopped and looked under hood. I could see a pipe where smoke seemed to be originating but don't know what it is called. When smoke cleared and I didn't see anything leaking under the car, I started to drive as called service station a few blocks away. They said to bring it over but upon driving about 50 more feet smoke got worse; became thicker and black. …”
NHTSA complaint #10559420, filed 2014-01, 200,000 milesVehicle speed control: “While driving with my infant son on the freeway, I felt the vehicle seeming to speed up involuntarily, I.e. Without putting my foot on the accelerator. I exited the freeway at the nearest off-ramp, looking for a place to pull over safely and inspect my vehicle. Having no place to pull over, I kept driving, by this time having to stomp on the brake to maintain a safe speed on the city street I was driving on. Upon coming to a red light and attempting to brake, the car accelerated, thus causing the brake to be ineffective. …”
NHTSA complaint #10211366, filed 2007-12, 110,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
6% of the 83 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 110,000 and 176,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee · sedan | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 5.2L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V252000Jun 19, 2013Body and structureCovers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993–1998, Liberty 2002–2007
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
- 02V053000Feb 15, 2002Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993–1998, Grand Wagoneer 1993–1998
On certain sport utility vehicles, if a driver has not placed the shifter lever fully into the "park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable.
- 99V340000Dec 13, 1999Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: Jeep Grand Cherokee 1994–1995, Cherokee 1992–1995, Grand Wagoneer 1993–1995
Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode…
Recall details for the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA12005Crash Related Fuel Tank FiresClosed · Jun 12, 2012
- PE10031Crash Related Fuel Tank FiresClosed · Aug 23, 2010
- DP09005Fuel Storage System Crash Related FiresClosed · Nov 6, 2009
- EA02029Hood latch failureClosed · Oct 16, 2002
- EA01017Roll-away in reverse when parkedClosed · Nov 1, 2001
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Engine cooling. Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10150552Apr 23, 2015Equipment. Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the…
- 10229910Dec 18, 2014Other or unknown. Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a…
- 10221079Dec 18, 2014Other or unknown. Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a…
- 10139909Dec 18, 2014Other or unknown. Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a…
- 10220995Sep 3, 2014Body and structure, Equipment. Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a…
- 10139596Sep 3, 2014Body and structure, Equipment. Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a…
- 10220409Jun 20, 2013Body and structure, Forward collision avoidance, Other or…. Chrysler will offer owners an upgrade to the rear structure of the subject vehicles by the addition of a trailer hitch to better manage the crash forces in low-speed impacts.
- 10189177Jun 20, 2013Other or unknown, Forward collision avoidance, Body and…. Chrysler will offer owners an upgrade to the rear structure of the subject vehicles by the addition of a trailer hitch to better manage the crash forces in low-speed impacts.
- 10136886Jun 20, 2013Other or unknown, Body and structure. New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? N45062013 During recent discussions, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (?NHTSA?) and Chrysler Group LLC (?Chrysler?) mutually identified…
Other model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 788 | 6 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 80 | 5,781 | 4 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 254 | 12,450 | 16 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 408 | 20,000 | 21 | 5 | 22 | 73 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 268 | 28,444 | 13 | 4–5 | 22 | 23 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 410 | 18,000 | 12 | 4–5 | 21 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 241 | 13,100 | 3 | 4–5 | 21 | 23 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 370 | 36,000 | 7 | 4–5 | 21 | 26 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 855 | 24,500 | 10 | 4 | 21 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 364 | 31,728 | 5 | 4–5 | 21 | 31 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 312 | 32,139 | 8 | 4–5 | 21 | 34 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 1,369 | 40,000 | 9 | 4–5 | 20 | 90 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 2,384 | 50,000 | 18 | 4–5 | 20 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 805 | 67,000 | 9 | 4 | 19 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 1,644 | 65,000 | 10 | 4 | 19 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 1,641 | 63,500 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 118 | 67,500 | 5 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 138 | 58,342 | 2 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2008 | 734 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 15 | 18 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,109 | 69,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,280 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 2,052 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,295 | 61,845 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 762 | 70,802 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,476 | 75,000 | 10 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 883 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,447 | 88,225 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,638 | 82,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,028 | 105,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 991 | 118,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 893 | 133,722 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 719 | 117,923 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 588 | 146,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 555 | 129,500 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 6 | 300,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 5 | 170,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 5 | 190,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Jeep Grand Cherokee model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners of this model year most often describe stalls and no-starts traced to fuel delivery, transmission and transfer case problems, and steering and suspension faults that make the vehicle hard to control. The issues reported most often: Stalling and no-start from fuel delivery; Hard steering, wandering, and steering gear or column faults; Fuel odors and fuel tank concerns.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
NHTSA recorded 588 consumer complaints for the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 132 complaints (22% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 118.
Has the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Grand Cherokee 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee reported?
Among the 83 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 146,000 miles and the middle half falls between 110,000 and 176,000 miles; 6% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.